Ghosts of the Del Monte Speakeasy

Ghosts of the Del Monte Speakeasy

The Del Monte Speakeasy, Los Angeles

In the heart of Venice, located underground, is a historic bar that serves up more spirits than just the alcoholic kind. The Del Monte Speakeasy is a popular watering hole for Los Angeles socialites, yet it is also deemed to be one of the most haunted places in town.

Haunted Del Monte Speakeasy.
The main bar at the haunted Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice.

The bar dates back to 1915 and managed to survive America’s prohibition by moving its operation underground into the dimly lit rooms that remain to make up the popular bar to this day. Cleverly disguised as a grocer the Del Monte Speakeasy sourced alcohol illegally via the Canadian ships and elaborate underground tunnel systems beneath Venice. The bar that remains today pays tribute to its heritage, retaining its old school charm and even some ghostly characters from the past.

Grocery of the haunted speakeasy.
Homage to the speakeasy’s past as a grocery used to mask its alcohol service.

Ghosts of the Del Monte Speakeasy

Many of the staff and patrons to visit the Del Monte Speakeasy claim the underground bar to be haunted. A number of people have claimed to sight the apparition of a man hanging out around the bar and one particular booth. This man is thought to be the spirit of Frank Bennett, who owned and ran the bar up until his death in 2003. Supposedly, the booth he is commonly seen hanging around was his favorite place to sit and have a drink during life.

Haunted bar in Venice, California.
Booth inside the haunted Los Angeles bar.

While no one is truly sure if more spirits inhabit the space, other strange occurrences have been reported within the former speakeasy. One of the bar’s female guests claimed to have her hair pulled on by invisible forces while inside the female bathrooms alone. Who or what may have done this to the poor lady remains unknown.

Haunted bathroom in Del Monte Speakeasy.
Checking out the spooky female bathroom.

Visiting the Haunted Del Monte Speakeasy

The Del Monte Speakeasy is open every evening until late. The bar serves up a selection of liquor and cocktails, as well as hosts the occasional staged performances. It is definitely worth dropping by to check out if you find yourself in the Venice area.

Cocktails at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice, California.
Cocktails in the haunted bar.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about another haunted bar in America, known as Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

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About Amy

Amy is a world traveller and explorer of creepy locations. She has visited some of the most famously haunted places around the world in search of evidence of the paranormal. Follow Amy's Journey:

Comments (2)

  • Lucifer Stromberg

    Posted by Lucifer Stromberg on August 15, 2020

    This is a great location Amy, have you ever been there yourself ??? would love to go there. As always love your work <3 3:)

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on August 15, 2020

      Hey Lucifer. I certainly have – all of the blogs and photos are from my personal visits to these haunted locations. Can’t wait to go back some day. Thanks for the comment.

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